Wymore council adopts salary ordinance, approves EMS transfer and hires wastewater worker

WYMORE, Neb. — The Wymore City Council on Oct. 18 unanimously adopted Ordinance 675-FY2024, approved a transfer of $24,370.49 to an EMS Special account and moved to fill a full-time wastewater position as part of routine city business.

Mayor Collin Meints opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and recorded the presence of Councilmembers Curt Oblinger, Max Allen, Neil Van Boening and Sue Sapp and City Attorney Andy Carothers. The council first approved routine items — the minutes from the previous meeting, claims and payroll, and the treasurer’s report — each on motions that were recorded as carrying 4-0.

During public comment and personnel items, Allison Polson introduced herself to the council and described her nursing background and increased availability; on a motion by Councilmember Max Allen and second by Councilmember Neil Van Boening the council approved Polson’s appointment as a member of Wymore EMS, 4-0.

City Attorney Andy Carothers presented Ordinance 675-FY2024, described in the meeting record as the city’s salary ordinance. Councilmember Max Allen moved and Councilmember Sue Sapp seconded a motion to waive the three required readings; the council then voted to approve Ordinance 675-FY2024 on a motion by Allen and second by Sapp, with both motions recorded as 4-0.

Tim Sedlacek presented Jeff Crumb for hire as a full-time wastewater employee; Crumb had worked seasonally in the parks earlier in 2023. On a motion by Allen and second by Van Boening the council approved Crumb’s hiring, 4-0.

Deputy City Clerk Melissa Wach reported that EMS revenues rose this year, likely after a change in billing companies. Consistent with prior council direction that EMS surplus funds be moved to a dedicated account, the council approved transferring $24,370.49 from the general fund to the EMS Special account on a motion by Allen and second by Van Boening; the motion carried 4-0.

Councilmembers discussed possible changes to the police contract related to overtime compensation but reached no decision; the item was tabled until the next council meeting for further consideration.

Tim Sedlacek also told the council the city was notified that Street Superintendent and Engineer Keith Gilmore is retiring and that Gilmore’s business is closing. Sedlacek said he has spoken to Gilmore about options and is contacting engineers and expects to update the council when he has options. Sedlacek added the city’s previous sewer-tanker truck has experienced multiple breakdowns and that the truck has been listed on the Purple Wave auction while the city retains the tank; he said he is searching for a replacement.

The council adjourned at 8:10 p.m. and the minutes were signed by Mayor Collin Meints and Deputy City Clerk Melissa Wach.